Croatian Red Cross launches SOCIUS project for vulnerable families

The Croatian Red Cross has launched the ‘SOCIUS’ project, aimed at increasing the social inclusion of children and families at risk of social exclusion. The initiative provides social integration and psychosocial support through 1,700 planned social services for approximately 130 users.

Eligible applicants include children and youth aged seven to 18 from Ukraine who are under temporary protection in Croatia and reside in the City of Zagreb, Zagreb County, Osijek-Baranja County, or Lika-Senj County. Additionally, children receiving guaranteed minimum benefits and children from the Roma minority in the Lika-Senj County are eligible. The call for applications is open to parents, guardians, foster parents, and their partners.

The project is implemented by the Croatian Red Cross in partnership with the Red Cross Society of Osijek-Baranja County and the City Red Cross Society of Gospić. It is co-financed by the European Union through the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) under the Efficient Human Resources Program 2021–2027. Participation is free of charge, and the project is scheduled to run until July 30, 2028.